Prevalence of thrombophilic gene polymorphisms [FVL G1691A and MTHFR C677T] in patients with myocardial infarction

Inherited thrombophilia may be caused by mutations, polymorphisms in a variety of genes mainly involved in haemostatic pathways was to find the prevalence of thrombophilic gene factor V Leiden [FVL] and methylene tetrahydrofolate reductase [MTHFR] gene polymorphism in patients with myocardial infarction [MI], aiming at early diagnostic methods and guiding preventive procedures. This study was carried on 30 patients who survived their first MI as compared to 15 healthy volunteers. Patients and controls were subjected to history, physical examination. Factor VL G1691A and MTHFR C677T genotypes were determined by RT PCR. The prevalence of heterozygous FVL GA genotype was significantly higher among MI patients as compared to the control group. The prevalence of mutant homozygous AA was significantly higher in MI patients as compared to control. The low risk cases had a higher frequency of GA genotype as compared to high risk cases. As regards MTHFR C677T gene polymorphism, the prevalence of heterozygous MTHFR C677T CT genotype showed significant increase in MI patients compared with the control group. The prevalence of mutant homozygous TT genotype was significantly higher in MI patients as compared to the control group. The low risk cases had a higher frequency of heterozygous MTHFR C677T CT genotype than high risk cases The prevalence of heterozygous [FVL G1691 A] and MTHFR C677T gene polymorphisms was significantly increased in MI patients compared with the control group and these gene polymorphisms are probably risk factors for myocardial infarction among Egyptian cases especially if integrated with other environmental and genetic risk factors. We recommended screening high risk patients for this polymorphism and the use of specific thromboprophylaxis to prevent recurrent thrombotic disease

Urinary tract infection and adverse outcome of pregnancy

Urinary tract infections [UTIs] during pregnancy are among the commonest health problems world wide, specially in developing countries, including Egypt. It has several adverse outcomes not only on the mother but also on the fetus as well.. The aim of this study is to determine the incidence of UTIs during pregnancy, study the main risk factors associated with such infections and find the impact of these infections on some pregnancy outcomes namely the gestational age and birth weight. A follow-up study on 249 pregnant women attending the ante natal care clinic at Zagazig university hospital. They were recruited over a period from 1st of September to 30th of or November, 2005. The outcome could be recorded for 201 of them. Data were collected through a pretested questionnaire, repeated urine analyses and recording of outcome of pregnancy. The study revealed that the incidence of UTIs during pregnancy was 31.3%. The commonest organisms were Klebsiella and E-coli. Several socio-demographic characteristics were found significantly associated with UTIs, age being 30 years and more, illiterates and low educational level, low socio-economic level and those with unsatisfactory personal hygiene and those using underwear clothes other than cotton. Significant associations with UTIs were also found in multigravidae 4th and more, those having more than one child and those who previously suffered UTIs. The only predicting variable with UTIs was low socio-economic level. The study revealed that the probability of delivering premature infants and low birth weights was significantly higher among those who experienced UTIs during pregnancy. Multivariate analysis revealed that UTI was one of the main contributors to pre-mature deliveries. Conclusion and Recommendations: Urinary tract infections with pregnancy still constitute a big problem with high incidence. It has a great impact on pregnancy outcome mainly pre-mature labor. So, the study recommends health education about personal hygiene, repeated urine cultures early in pregnancy and during the third trimesters, specially for low socio-economic pregnant women. Specific antibiotics should be prescribed to avoid adverse pregnancy outcome

Prevalence of eye diseases in primary school children in a rural area of Zagazig city

This study was carried out to measure the prevalence of eye diseases in primary school children and to determine the risk factors associated with the most common eye diseases. This study is a cross-sectional study; carried out in two primary schools in a rural area of Zagazig city during the year 2000-2001 The sample was chosen randomly from the two schools where all students in each school were included in the study. The non-response rate was 4.3% and the final sample was 808 students, their ages ranged from 6-13 years. A predesigned questionnaire sheet was filled by all students. The questionnaire sheet included data about child socio-economic level, parents' consanguinity, and family history of ocular problems. Then each child was subjected to full ophthalmological examinations. Nine percent of the children had bilateral poor eyesight [visual acuity < 6/12] and an additional 4.9% of children had unilateral poor eyesight. Significant refractive errors occurred in 11.3% and the most common type was myopia 7.4%. Risk factors for myopia were age group above 10 years, positive consanguinity and family history of error of refection. Amblyopia occurred in 1.5% of pupils. 64 pupils [7.9%] had active trachoma, and the risk factors were illiterate parents and large family size [more than 5 members], 32 pupils [3.9%] reported night blindness. Corneal scar, strabismus and cataract were uncommon [0.4-0.9%]. We recommended that early screening and periodic ophthalmological examinations of primary school children must be mandatory for early detection and management. Further research is needed to validate the frequent reports of night blindness and to establish the public health importance of vitamin A deficiency in this age group